Journey on a fascinating Scottish whiskey tour through the heart of Scotland’s renowned whiskey-producing regions. This immersive experience will take you to the historic streets of Edinburgh, the mesmerizing landscapes of Inverness, the grandeur of Dunrobin Castle, the distilleries of Speyside, and the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond. Get ready to indulge in Scottish whiskey’s rich history and flavours as you explore these iconic destinations.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Localised tasting Tours
Learn about the history of Whisky
Explore Scottish Cities
Play a round of golf at St. Andrews
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
14
Nights
Price Guide
$3500 – $4700 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Edinburgh
Day 2
Edinburgh
Unravel the history of one of the most dramatically situated cities in Europe on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the ‘Honours of Scotland’, the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the UK. From the impressive military installations, there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches from the castle through the ‘Old Town’ of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St Giles Cathedral. At the foot of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh. If no royal family member is staying, you can visit the staterooms on your own and explore the historic apartments in which Mary, Queen of Scots resided. The palace’s neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building, whose striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
Day 3
St Andrews and Glamis Castle
Head north out of Edinburgh to visit some of the best-known places in Scotland. Cross the Firth by the brand new Queensferry Crossing – a remarkable construction that runs parallel to the original road bridge and the legendary Victorian railway bridge. The three iconic Forth bridges showcase Scotland’s continued talent for being at the forefront of engineering. Pass Loch Leven Castle, the island prison that once held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner in 1567 before she eventually had to abdicate. Continue past Perth, the historic bridging point over the River Tay, and onwards into the wide rural valley called Strathmore.
Continue to Glamis Castle, a turreted medieval fantasy that was the Queen Mother’s childhood home and is now inhabited by the Earl of Strathmore. The staterooms of the castle, visited during your private tour, display many treasures of the Bowes-Lyon family, and, like all Scottish castles, reputedly, there are ghosts whose presence is often felt!
On one of the easternmost parts of the coast is St Andrews, the town known throughout the world as the home of golf. Stop outside the iconic Royal and Ancient Clubhouse to see the 1st tee and 18th green of the world-famous Old Course. There is, however, much more to this historic town; in the Middle Ages, St Andrews was the ecclesiastical and educational capital of Scotland. See the evocative ruins of the largest cathedral ever built in Scotland, which was gradually dismantled following the Reformation, and the oldest university in Scotland, where Prince William first met his wife, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Return to Edinburgh through the agricultural countryside of Fife and back over the Forth Bridge to Edinburgh.
Day 4
Edinburgh to Inverness via Perth
Leaving Edinburgh, head north into the Highlands of Scotland, travelling past Perth, the historic bridging point over the River Tay, and then follow this river upstream to the quaint town of Dunkeld. Your route takes you north, passing the town of Pitlochry, a picturesque place that welcomes visitors to the Highlands of Scotland; it lies just south of the scenic Pass of Killiecrankie, where Jacobite forces were victorious over troops loyal to King William in a battle fought in 1689. On the other side of the pass is the romantic side of the white-turreted Blair Castle, the home of the Duke of Athol, where you tour its sumptuous rooms at leisure. The final part of the journey passes through some spectacular countryside taking in the peaks of the Cairngorms before arriving at one of the most important historic sites in Scotland. Discover the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops when his attempt to regain the throne for the Stuarts ended. At this poignant spot, learn how these events changed the way of life in Scotland dramatically. Afterwards, continue to your nearby hotel.
Day 5
The Speyside Whisky Trail
Home to half of all the whisky distilleries in Scotland, a tour of the Speyside region to the southeast of Inverness is a must for all whisky lovers and those who want to learn more about the distilled alcoholic beverage. The pure water of the Highland streams and springs and the superior quality of the mountain peat in the area makes it the ideal place to create delicious Single Malts. Your route takes you on the famous and unique Malt Whisky Trail that runs around many of the best-known distilleries. Stop at the romantic Glenlivet distillery, founded in the early 1800s, for a public tour of the installations with complimentary drams to sample the whisky for yourself.
Follow this with the opportunity to take a public tour (2.5 hours) of the Glenfiddich distillery, arguably home to the most well-known and beloved single malts in the world. Enjoy exploring the grounds and take a special look at the on-site bottling plant. During your visit, you taste a number of cask-strength 15-year-old samples and even have a go at preparing your very own version of Glenfiddich 15-year-old by combining different cask samples together. As your tour comes to an end, you are transferred back to your hotel in Inverness.
Day 6
Northwest Highlands
Today, explore the stark beauty of the Northwest Highlands. These mountains cover the most remote part of the British mainland. Take a trip around Wester Ross, one of the most spectacular regions in Scotland. Follow the route of the rail line that cuts a track through the dramatic countryside as your route takes you towards the West Coast, where the grandiose mountains of Torridon dominate the landscape. Travel through the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve where native wildlife species such as golden eagles are encouraged. As you continue, the expansive waters of island-studded Loch Maree are revealed. Overlooking the bay are Inverewe Gardens, one of the most remarkable gardening projects ever undertaken. There are over 2,000 different species of plants from all over the world, from Australia to China. The gardens are full of colour, and you can find lots of different types of flowers blooming throughout the year. You return to Inverness by a more northerly route, passing Corrieshalloch Gorge where the River Measach tumbles over a rocky precipice into a ravine.
Day 7
Inverness to Fort William
Making your way to Fort William today, start with a visit to the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle ever fought on British soil. Here the Jacobite armies of Bonnie Prince Charlie were routed by government forces after the attempt to seize the throne had failed. Drive through the town of Inverness as you head southwest of the city to visit Loch Ness, one of the largest bodies of water in Great Britain and reputedly home to the celebrated monster! Stop to visit the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle, which dominates the part of the lake where the majority of monster sightings are said to have taken place. Continue to your hotel from here.
Day 8
The Scottish Highlands
Set out on a full-day excursion that unveils some of the Scottish Highlands’ most iconic places and best-loved landscapes. Leaving Fort William behind, begin your journey with a drive along the ‘Road to the Isles’, which leads to the West Coast port of Mallaig. En route, you pass the Glenfinnan Monument, which stands at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel in commemoration of the Highlanders. Learn how they rose in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Travel to Loch Duich, with great views of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, used as a setting in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough, for a picturesque photograph. Sit back and marvel at the scenery for the remainder of your journey today, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening.
Day 9
Fort William to Edinburgh via Inverary
With hills and forests, the landscapes of Argyll make this one of the gentlest areas of the Scottish Highlands while still representing the grandeur of the region, which you discover on a full day of touring. Drive through the Pass of Brander in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, a mountain that has been hollowed out to house a hydroelectric power station on the west coast near Oban. Cross over to Loch Fyne, a long inlet of the sea, for a private tour of Inveraray Castle. Home to the Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Campbells, this fairy-tale castle sits near the shore and retains some impressive interiors that are the most richly decorated in Scotland.
Later, travel around the head of Loch Fyne and then up and over the high mountain pass known as ‘Rest and Be Thankful’; from the summit viewpoint, there is a panoramic view down the steep-sided valley of Glen Croe and the road that leads down to Tarbet. Here the waters of Loch Lomond appear and stretch into the distance.
Follow the ‘Bonnie Banks’ of this fabled stretch of water, the largest inland loch in Great Britain, as it extends out of the Highlands and spills onto the plain of the Central Lowlands where it is peppered with many islands. Continue through the Trossachs, an area of wooded glens and braes before passing through the fascinating city of Stirling, a place steeped in rich and bloody history. From here, head south-eastwards to your hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Scotland has a temperate maritime climate, which means that the weather can be quite unpredictable. The average temperature in summer (June to August) is around 15°C, while in winter (December to February) it can drop down to 5°C. The best time to visit Scotland is during the summer months when the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer. However, if you’re looking to experience Scotland’s winter sports or the magical Northern Lights, then planning a trip during the winter months might be your best bet.
Scotland experiences cold and wet weather during January. The average temperature in Scotland during this time of the year is around 4°C, with lows dropping down to 1°C. It is also quite windy during this month, which makes the temperature feel even colder. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in January, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
February is still considered as winter in Scotland, and the weather can be quite cold and wet during this month. The average temperature in Scotland during February is around 5°C, with lows dropping down to 2°C. It is also quite windy during this month, which can make the temperature feel even colder. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in February, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
Scotland starts to see some improvements in the weather during March, although it is still considered as a winter month. The average temperature in Scotland during March is around 7°C, with lows dropping down to 3°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is also a chance of sunny and mild days. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in March, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both cold and mild weather conditions.
Scotland starts to see a significant improvement in the weather during April, with the arrival of spring season. The average temperature in Scotland during April is around 9°C, with lows dropping down to 4°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is also a chance of sunny and mild days. April is a great time to visit Scotland if you're looking to experience the beauty of spring, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in April, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both cold and mild weather conditions.
May is a great time to visit Scotland as the weather becomes considerably milder and more pleasant. The average temperature in Scotland during May is around 12°C, with lows dropping down to 6°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. May is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, gardens, and beaches. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in May, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
June marks the start of summer season in Scotland, and the weather becomes considerably milder and more pleasant. The average temperature in Scotland during June is around 15°C, with lows dropping down to 9°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. June is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its castles and museums, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in June, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
July is one of the warmest months in Scotland, and it is a great time to visit the country. The average temperature in Scotland during July is around 17°C, with lows dropping down to 11°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. July is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its beaches, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in July, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothing to enjoy the warm weather.
August is also a great time to visit Scotland as the weather remains mild and pleasant throughout the month. The average temperature in Scotland during August is around 17°C, with lows dropping down to 11°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. August is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its beaches, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in August, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothing to enjoy the warm weather.
September marks the start of autumn season in Scotland, and the weather starts to cool down gradually. The average temperature in Scotland during September is around 14°C, with lows dropping down to 8°C. It is also slightly windier during this month, and there is a chance of rain. September is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its museums and galleries, and attend various cultural events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in September, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
October is a transitional month in Scotland as the weather starts to become cooler and wetter. The average temperature in Scotland during October is around 11°C, with lows dropping down to 6°C. It is also windier and rainier during this month, but there can still be some sunny and mild days. October is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its castles and historic sites, and attend various autumn festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in October, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
November is one of the coldest and wettest months in Scotland, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. The average temperature in Scotland during November is around 8°C, with lows dropping down to 3°C. It is also quite windy and rainy during this month, which can make the temperature feel even colder. November is a great time to explore Scotland's cities, visit its museums and galleries, and attend various cultural events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in November, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
December is one of the coldest and darkest months in Scotland, and the weather can be quite harsh. The average temperature in Scotland during December is around 6°C, with lows dropping down to 1°C. It is also quite windy and rainy during this month, with occasional snowfall. December is a great time to explore Scotland's festive markets and events, visit its historic sites, and enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in December, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
Add on’s
After immersing yourself in Scottish whisky, consider visiting the beautiful region of Bordeaux, France. Known for its prestigious wine production, Bordeaux is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. With its picturesque vineyards, historic chateaus, and renowned wine-making tradition, Bordeaux offers a fascinating opportunity to delve into the world of wine production after experiencing the art of Scotch whisky distillation in Scotland.
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